Well into the Fall

Here it is, October 14th and the air is cool and dry as the winds are expected to pick up again today, just like last year around the time of the fires. I pray to God that there will be no natural disasters until we at least get an opportunity to rebuild after the last one. This not only goes for the fires but for the floods, hurricanes, tidal waves, typhoons, earthquakes and whatever else could bring us to the brink of collapse. The world seems to be in dire straits more every day. Without sounding too hyperbolic, the entire world is undergoing a massive upheaval. The reason for these events may not be readily apparent but are becoming clearer to everyone with the eyes to see and the ears to hear. We must come to rely on the power of God every day to guide and direct us. We need peace and serenity on this earth, while there is still hope. Most of all, our leaders must realize that pride does cometh before the fall. Trusting the process, following your heart and allowing beauty to manifest itself, is the way.

Summer Flies by

Wow! You blink and it's gone. I see that my last post was back in June and so much has happened from that period until now. Fires, fires, and more fires. Naturally, the news media, fake or otherwise, has provided more than we ever need to know about Trump, Global warming, and the Kardashians. Today the temperatures have dropped a bit and Fall is definitely in the air. Tonight I'll be attending a drumming circle with some friends at a house in St. Helena. The full moon was last Sunday, but there should still be plenty of light available before the coastal breezes and fog come rolling up over the Mayacamas.

Truth be told, my summer has been rather uneventful, except say for my sister's 50th wedding anniversary. That was really a great occasion. My nephew arranged the whole affair and went so far as to rent out a nice building in Napa next to a golf course. The extended family came from as far away as Washington State. Although I didn't stay long, the day has proved to be the highlight of my summer.

Around 3PM that afternoon I took my grandnephew to see the Steve Miller Band and Peter Frampton play at the Concord Pavillion. We got there early enough to beat the traffic, but not the heat. It turned out to be a fantastic show and Liam enjoyed it immensely. Peter Frampton opened and played a set that included all his covers. Steve Miller followed with Frampton jamming with him later in the show. Liam could appreciate it from a guitarist point of view. He has been playing the guitar for quite a while now and it has become his new passion. By the end of his first concert he was walking on clouds ( not to mention all the weed that was floating around in the air). Liam is at an age where he needs a lot of male guidance and support, not to be blindly exposed to all the worldly temptations. I just hope that the kid meets others like himself so he doesn't spend too much time alone. The show ended around midnight and we were back at his hotel around one.

Today I am back to painting rocks and getting ready for the weekend markets.What the heck, it keeps a roof over my head and food in my belly.

Smiley Faced Dog

The picture of this puppy was snapped just in the nick of time. She is only three months old and is a bundle of energy. Outside in front of the Whole Foods Market in Sebastopol is where we met. I think her name is Belle. The eyes on this dog just blew my mind, so naturally, the iPhone got whipped out in short order. Her owners were very obliging, as it is certain that I wasn't the first person to inquire if a photo could be taken. Naturally, If I had stuck around, the licks and the leash would have entwined us all.

Earth Day Rattlesnake Idea

This is what I call the "Earth Day Rattlesnake". The idea came to me as I was picking up these bottles all around the neighborhood whare I live in Calistoga. You basically just cut the bottom off of an empty plastic water bottle and stuff it inside another with the cap and the bottom part that you just cut off ( thus creating a rattle effect ). Now see how long you can make it ! I was hoping that the kids would catch onto this idea for earth day, and begin recycling these things. Hey, when you are finished making one, you can deposit in the Blue Bin. What a concept. Anyway, today I am posting this idea and am sending it to the marketing department at Crystal Geyser™ water company where I live. Perhaps they will run with it.

Curmudgeon Mind

It seems culturally accurate that those in the Western World suffer from what many may call an "Inner Critic".Having been raised in an upper-middle-class neighborhood, with other Anglo Saxon peers, monitoring our behavior and the behavior of those around us was a full-time job."Keeping up with the Jones" meant (and in most cases) still means measuring our own self-worth in comparison to the perceived worth of those around us.

Living in San Francisco during the 60's put me into a special class of people that were out to change the opinions of those boring fundamentalists of our parent's generation.Most of my friends eschewed the wealth and outward appearances that seemed selfish, rigid and cold.We seemingly sought a more communal spirit that has carried the sixties philosophy through to the present day.Love, Peace, and Happiness had to come before Sex, Drugs and Rock n'Roll

One would suppose that there was a generosity of spirit that permeated our culture in radically new ways, thanks not in part to the frustration brought about because of the Vietnam war, the closed-minded arrogance of certain politicians and a fragmented, resistant government as it still exists today.

A close friend of mine at the time called all this progressiveness, "Responsible Hedonism".Today I would call that a cop-out.The idea of moving west and leaving your reputation behind to join the liberal left brought many an asshole to the west coast, particularly Northern California.

By most accounts, our first world problems prevent many from appreciating the suffering and misfortune of those in other areas of the world. Our personal suffering still flourishes though, every time we were stuck in traffic behind an ostentatious driver who moves at a pace just slow enough to piss you off.What I realize today, is that the haves and the have-nots are occupying the same roads, breathing the same polluted air and that we still have to exercise a generosity of spirit that is the hallmark of a functional albeit progressive society.

The Generative effect of the Ocean

Occasionally, I take off for the coast.Jenner and Russian Gulch offer me the serenity and peace of mind anyone would seek after the stressful or mundane days stack up.Nature has a way of replenishing the soul and enlivening the spirit within all of us.Taking off my shoes and wading across a small inlet toward the beach itself connects me to the earth in an energetic way.The flowing water also soothes my emotional state because water is a conduit which expels stored traumatic episodes.The waves lapping and crashing on the beach offer the sensual delight of repetitive sound, fresh air, ocean breezes and the salty smell of the sea.Nothing that compares to this blessed gift.Sunset especially, reminds me that thier is relief and rest in a day well spent

New Year, Blog Update

Okay, I know I haven't posted in awhile ( yea, quite awhile ) but it doesn't mean that I don't like to blog.It is just that my existence is not very interesting by most people's standards. Yes, you could say that I have become rather boring.Even my brother kind of grimaces and gives a forced laugh when I try to entertain him via FaceTime. My problem is I already know what people are doing in my life because I can read Facebook every day and find out.Nothing new under the sun as it is said. Today I lowered my yearly premium by forty dollars by signing up for renter's insurance... Yay! I will also be taking a mature drivers course for another discount... Yay! These are examples of how thrilling my life can be these days.

So, I was taking my daily shower when it occurred to me that I have not made out a will.How am I going to divide up my life's earnings amongst my loved ones, who will probably not love me as much if I leave this world with a mortuary bill. That being said,I have around ten grand in savings that may be enough to get me cremated, I dunno.

Anyway, I want my computer and car to go to my nephew Edward, and I am hereby assigning him to be the executor of my humble estate. I will graciously leave it up to him to disperse whatever is left in my name.My artwork should be donated to the Smithsonian collection, but if they don't accept it, then perhaps it should be donated to the National Archives.If that doesn't work, then give it all away at my vendors booth at the Calistoga Farmer's Market.

Never forget that you are loved

One often hears that everyone deserves love. I don't think that this is true. We are loved by nature of our own existence, whether it is deserved or not.We were created when two people got together to achieve the desired result.Otherwise, nature or nurture cannot be served. Love's resistance only brings people together.The phrase, "God is love" also will conjure up a notion that two nebulous ideas formulate a similar outcome.There are a lot of things people may not like. It can even be said that one can not like "Love", but Love conquers all. Love is all.Just like energy, it cannot be created or destroyed.It just is.

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All Praise be to God, to whom all praise is due

These days, I've adopted a monkish life. My day starts as anyone's would. A shower, a shave, a made bed and eventually a morning cup of coffee. Then the thought of prayer comes. When will my knees hit the floor? When will the morning prayer app on my iPhone provide me with routine words of reflection? When will The routine provide an impetus for creativity to flow? Usually, by 7:45am the keys, wallet, and assorted necessary accouterments are pocketed as the door closes behind me. Will the bike ride be taken today, or will my Ford be driven? Hmm... decisions, decisions.The mass begins at 8:00am and Fr.Angelito is usually there Wednesday and Thursday.Fridays are his day off.The Celebration of the Mass grounds me. Christ is present in the Eucharist, and in my life.

I am thankful for what has been given me, what has been taken from me, and for what has been left me. As I am before my maker, this is all that I am. Nothing more... nothing less.May I do the will of my higher power, always. Thy will, not mine, be done. I am reminded of a prayer my younger sister Nancy used to pray. "Be thee to whom, one mind, compassion, OM. All praise be to God, to whom all praise is due." This prayer is beautiful, not only because it takes my mind off of myself, but it reminds me why I am here on earth. To give praise to a God that loves me.

My Sister Mary Ann is shown below. This was taken in the summer of 2016, which is the last time I saw her alive.She is with God now.She left us this past summer, shortly before her 80th birthday. She will be remembered fondly by her family, community, and friends.She is someone who put everything aside in her personal life to follow Jesus Christ.She is a beautiful soul whose Spirit will live on.Her presence is felt,even as I write.

No cause for the blues.

I'm listening to The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, which has been an acquired taste over the years. I first heard them back in College and was surprised to hear that many of these Chicago Blues men went on to play with many of my favorite musicians in and around the Bay Area. Today I understand Blues as being a style, a way of life for some and perhaps an attitude for others. It does not have to mean something depressive though. This rich creative tradition has been born out of tough times...and we have all had tough times.The trouble is that it is easy to get stuck there.As the saying goes, "If you don't dig the blues, you better check your shoes, you might have a hole in your sole."Why there is a pack of smiling dogs beneath this post, I haven't a clue. But hey, dogs live the blues.

Later, Gator !

This is a rock I found, that is actually a piece of petrified wood that I decorated with glow in the dark paint and florescent paint. It so resembled a gator that it had to be transformed and placed in this poster advertising the Louisiana Bayou country. I sometimes find that it is easier to find art in nature than to find the nature of art (if that makes any sense )

The White light of the Holy Spirit

This image has been modified in Photoshop. The original is of a glow in the dark, crochet design made by my good friend, Veda Florez ( see exhibit B ). She is a very creative,resourceful and inventive person. She has re-imaged herself many times over the course of her life.This motif is held above my window sill where it can be observed both day and night. It attracts sunlight during the day, and moonlight at night. This is the same light which surrounds us all. This light is known as the White light of the Holy Spirit,which will guide and direct us in life.

Energy Drop

Today, my energy level plummeted to a low level. My back has been painful too, as I am recovering from lifting lots of boxes yesterday at the Food Distribution program.The usual daily communion service I attend at O.L.P.H. ( Our Lady of Perpetual Help ) has been put on hold because my ass is dragging.Could it be food poisoning? Could it be the Melatonin I ingested last night to bring about sleep? Could it be that my body just said, "Stop?"

We shall see if my health is restored to its regular vibrancy tomorrow. If not, a visit to the doctor may be in order.Below is me at my usual, overamped energy level.Even if I look like a cat being electrocuted, the image is fitting...well, maybe a bit exaggerated.In any case, I will survive.Incidentally, a new stove arrived at my apartment yesterday and I no longer have to be concerned about being electrocuted while I prepare dishes.Stay tuned.

Interdependence day

This year's Fourth of July celebration hs given me pause.Wouldn't be nice if we as a nation could extend ourselves to those who may need us? Who need our resources and skills? Wouldn't it be nice if we could learn from the simplicity and free spirit of a less developed nation, like parts of Africa for instance? Interdependence perhaps, because our Independence has been overextended. Now it is more like,"We've got ours and don't need you... so leave us alone or we will hurt you." Is that what our Independence is supposed to look like? I don't think so.

What would it be like if these impoverished nations had what we needed? Would we continue to be a bully to the less fortunate to make sure we stay empowered beyond necessity? This very notion is atrocious, and yet is seems entirely plausible given the current state of the nation...and dare I say, "The World?"

Information is the watchword because the message travels faster than ever, usually, at the expense of its validity, authenticity and most importantly, it's effectiveness. Welcome to the Tower of Babel and what some call "Fake News", which by all accounts is what the Internet really is dishing up.When and if the meek shall inherit the earth, it will be a wonderment what the planet will look like then... and the meek may have no use for it.

Catching Up

I am happy today. Even if don’t know if my loving Higher Power would worry about the world’s problems, or my problems. I sense that my loving Higher Power would feel compassion instead. I feel encouraged by this loving compassion, and it helps me to tackle my problems as best as I can … while being aided by the courage my loving Higher Power has granted me through the Serenity Prayer.

"God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

The work I do is blessed by my attempt to connect to this Power which I choose to call"God". I do my best to honor my intuition and the gentle leanings of my conscience.My God conscience dictates my behavior in many instances.

This brings into question: What am I holding onto? or more accurately,What am I willing to let go? The strings to my wallet are pretty tight.Even if I am not my money, my money is directly connected to my survival.This usually brings me into focus.Although I would like to think that I am not squeezing each nickel presently, I have learned to save and plan for the future, not just my bills. So, I guess you could say that I am still "Catching Up".

Beware of the do-gooders

Some people don't mature until late in life.They are not at fault.Taking responsibility for oneself can be very nuanced and challenging...Innocence befriends those who carry their childish ways into adulthood.This perceived innocence justifies their every thought and action. Social awareness is not the same as social responsibility as is explained here. Social awareness is when we are cognizant of our surroundings and the people inhabiting our space.Behavior resulting from this awareness can demonstrate our intentions which, in a social setting is in many instances, performed for the benefit of others. These forms of expression can manifest as grandiosity,self-righteousness or a multitude of other actions which ultimately appear either selfish or altruistic.

When the justification of our actions capture the observation of another,a problem can occur.People read intent,which can be mistaken. Arguments may ensue,and although they are meant to render a proposal, will not always reach an amiable conclusion. When someone has silenced another by "Winning and argument", it does not mean that they have converted that person.A return to reason will not direct an unruly child to correct action. A cry for help can be messy, and it's response requires an exactitude of timing, action and empathy. This is the behavior of an adult.

Appearing altruistic at times can mask smug pride in attempting to garner the favor of others. Anyone standing in the way of this desired approval, will usually be rendered unworthy by those observers standing in judgement of such behavior.

Sketching and painting

These days that is all I do during the day, draw and paint...except hit the refrigerator now and then. I listen to my Amazon Prime songs and have a few cups of coffee in the morning to get started.The rock supply has been low lately because their is a large creek/river I would have to cross to get to the beach at Russian Gulch.This means that would have to go by a landscaping place to pick a bag of rocks. Usually Mexican Pebbles which are smooth and especially suited for the work I do. My paint supply and printer are all in working order, and since the days a short and wet... I tend to get things done. Today I am gearing up for Valentine's day which should be a good sales day at the markets this weekend.

Nothing to fear, but fear itself

The second big storm of the season has arrived and it looks to be just as bad as the first, which was a doozy. Here I am in my one-bedroom apartment, hoping that the roof doesn't leak and that we all can hang in there as this one passes ( fingers crossed ). I've been invited to attend the Men's club meeting tonight at six, and I don't want to go out in this mess. Speaking of messes... the parking situation here in my complex has gotten even more complex.

I sent an email to the property manager and tried to work out a compromise as to who can occupy open ( non-designated ) parking spaces without causing blockages.His strategy was to send letters to all tenants, making me the one who is complaining and therefore the scapegoat if this issue escalates, which it might. My suggestion was to have a sign that reads "No visitor parking". That is sure to raise some hackles. Even if it would read "Tenant parking only", one can be assured that would undoubtedly be ignored.

I am the only tenant with one vehicle. I am respected because I have lived here the longest, but I am also the designated gringo in the hood, which feels kind of weird.I love my neighbors and have respect for each family, but I don't think that they all get along with each other as well as I seem to get along with them.The last thing I would want is for anyone to turn against each other, or most especially... me !

Right now, I just intend to stay warm and not project on how this situation may unfold. I seek only the highest good for all concerned and am ready to make compromises if necessary.

Big Storm coming this weekend

Today it is Thursday and it is sunny and beautiful...no matter how cold. Tonight I will probably have my space heater on, along with my long-johns and down comforter to keep me warm. The only problem with this is that it gets quite stuffy with my bedroom door closed and the window left open just a crack. Okay, don't worry... I won't die from carbon monoxide poisoning because I have an alarm for that. I also have a smoke detector that would protect me if it doesn't go off every time I cook an omelet or have the shower running.Life in a one-bedroom apartment requires constant vigilance.You just can't take off without checking to see if you've left the oven on,etc.

It's quiet today,even if the kids are off from school. They must all be inside so I don't have to listen to the screaming and yelling. Hey, it's better than living in a retirement community. Here, you will know that life is happening around you, whether you like it or not.My friend Eric texted me from Oregon where he is surrounded by four feet of snow. He too, is staying inside doing some woodworking.It's probably muffled and quiet there except for maybe his power saw whirring along.I'm painting a batch of rocks even though I suspect that the Farmer's Market may be cancelled this weekend. We shall see. It's no fun in the rain, but I show up with my canopy nonetheless.The vendors who tough it out during these periods are my pals.

Still on the mend

Today is the day after my 66th birthday.Over the last couple of weeks I've been recovering from Poison Oak and a nasty chest cold with a accompanying cough.I have spent well over fifty dollars on over the counter medications like Technu, Poison oak bar soap,itching relief gel, rash spray,homeopathic pills and liquid oil removal soap.Then for the cold I have stuck to herbal and non alcoholic medicines for my chest cold. These include Mentholatum deep heat rub,Herbal tussin, Alka Seltzer relief and two bottles of Source Natural's Wellness Formula. Friends have suggested drinking a shot glass full of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with garlic and ginger.Yes, I have done this and it has proved to be the most effective in alleviating the cough. Now if I can only get rid of the poison oak!! My birthday went well. I had a nice lunch at a restaurant called "Redwood" in Yountville with a friend.The salad and pasta dish were excellent as was our waiter, who even if a bit snobby, was generous with his information and attention (We were of only a few guests in the restaurant this Tuesday afternoon. Later on in the day, I was invited over to my neighbors' house for a surprise. There, Andre,Dinora, Kevin, Allen and Ruby presented me with a brand new wristwatch! It is a beautiful watch and now I have two Timex glow watches to last me a lifetime.The Quintero family are my new best friends.